A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography/Cornano Caterina
CORNANO CATERINA,
Queen of Cyprus. At the court of James the Fourth, King of Cyprus, resided a Venetian gentleman, exiled for some youthful indiscretions. He found especial favour with his adopted monarch. and rose to an intimate intercourse with him. One day, happening to stoop, he let fall a miniature, which represented so beautiful a face that the king eagerly inquired about the original. After stimulating his curiosity by affecting a discreet reserve, he acknowledged it to be the likeness of his niece. In subsequent conversations he artfully praised this young lady, and so wrought upon the sovereign that he resolved to take her for his wife. This honourable proposal being transmitted to Venice, she was adopted by the state, and sent as a daughter of the republic—a mode often adopted by that oligarchy for forming alliances with foreign powers. The fine climate and rich soil of Cyprus—an island so favoured by nature, that the ancients dedicated it to the queen of beauty and love—had made it always a coveted spot of earth, and on the death of James, which took place soon after his marriage with Caterina, the Venetians conceived the idea of obtaining it. Through their influence, Caterina was proclaimed queen, and afterwards as easily persuaded to abdicate in favour of the state of Venice. After various forms, and overpowering some opposition, Cyprus was annexed to the republic. On the 20th. of June, 1489, Caterina returned to her country and family, where she passed so obscure a life that no historian has taken the pains to note the period of her death.
Her name remains in the archives of Venice, because through her means a kingdom was acquired. Her features enjoy immortality, for she was painted by Titian.